Method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a case that defines a processing space where fabric articles are processed. A steam supply device supplies steam to the processing space, and a dry air supply device supplies dry air to the processing space. The method includes supplying steam to the processing space by operating the steam supply device, and supplying dry air to the processing space by operating the dry air supply device before, after or during operating the steam supply device to increase a temperature of the processing space.

This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2006-00131040 filed in Korea on Dec. 20, 2006; and 10-2006-0131041 filed in Korea on Dec. 20, 2006, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This relates to a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus and, more particularly, to a method of controlling a fabric processing apparatus that reduces steam consumption.

2. Background

A fabric refreshing apparatus is an appliance that has a refreshing function for removing smells or wrinkles from fabric articles stored therein. By removing odor particles and wrinkles using the refreshing function, the fabric articles in the fabric refreshing apparatus may appear to be freshly cleaned and/or ironed. By increasing a temperature in a processing space, these refreshing effects can be enhanced. However, if the consumption of steam increases as the temperature of the processing space increases, the amount of fluid consumed also increases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary fabric processing apparatus to which a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus as embodied and broadly described herein may be applied;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an air supply device and a steam supply device of the exemplary fabric processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective of a lower case housing a dry air supply device and a steam supply device of the exemplary fabric processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a fabric processing apparatus as embodied and broadly described herein;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the fabric processing step shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of the steps shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a graph of temperature variation in a fabric processing space of the exemplary fabric processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus in accordance with another embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus in accordance with another embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus in accordance with another embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus in accordance with another embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus in accordance with another embodiment as broadly described herein; and

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus in accordance with another embodiment as broadly described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Simply for ease of discussion, reference will be made to a condensing type refreshing apparatus. However, the principles set forth herein may be applied to other types of refreshing apparatuses, such as, for example, a discharge type. Likewise, simply for ease of discussion, fabric articles may be referred to as “clothes.” However, a refreshing apparatus as embodied and broadly described herein is not limited to treating clothing, and may be used to treat a variety of different fabric articles, such as, for example, bedding, draperies, linens, towels and the like.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a fabric processing apparatus 100 as embodied and broadly described herein may include an outer case 110 and an inner case 120 provided within the outer case 110 to define a processing space 130. Thus, the inner case 120 may be slightly smaller than the outer case 110. The inner case 120 may include side covers 121 that extend along three vertical sides of the processing space 130, and top and bottom covers 122 and 123 that extend across the top and bottom of the processing space 130. A condensing chamber 190 may be provided between one of the side covers 121 and a corresponding side of the outer case 110. The processing space 130 receives fabric articles for processing, and may include shelves, rods, hangers and the like (not shown).

The processing apparatus 100 may include a refreshing unit 200 including a steam supply device 150 that generates and supplies steam to the processing space 130. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the refreshing unit 200 is positioned at a lower bottom portion of the inner case 120. However, other locations may also be appropriate. For example, in alternative embodiments, the refreshing unit 200 may be coupled to an outside of the outer case 110 to increase a size of the processing space 130.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the steam supply device 150 may include a fluid supply tank 151 for storing a predetermined amount of fluid, a steam generating device 152 for receiving fluid from the supply tank 151 and generating steam, a drain tank 154 for collecting residual fluid from the steam generating device 152, and a fluid level sensor 155 for sensing the amount of fluid in the steam generating device 152. The steam generating device 152 may include a steam heater 153 that heats fluid to transform the fluid to a vapor. Fluid may be supplied along a supply channel 156 to the steam generating device 152. A supply valve 157 may be provided on the supply channel 156, and opens or closes in response to a control signal from the fluid level sensor 155 or a controller (not shown).

In alternative embodiments, collected fluid may be directed into a drainage system of a building in which the apparatus is installed. Likewise, in certain embodiments, the supply tank 151 may store water. However, in alternative embodiments, the supply tank 151 may store other mixtures of fluids which may further facilitate the removal of wrinkles, odors and the like from fabric articles during a refreshing process. In alternative embodiments, fluid may be supplied to the steam generating device 150 through a pressurized line (not shown).

The drain tank 154 may include a collection space 154 a for collecting fluid through a drain channel 158 that connects the steam generating device 152 and the drain tank 154. A drain valve 159 may be provided along the drain channel 158 and may open or close in response to a control signal from a controller (not shown). The drain tank 154 may be removably coupled to the outer case 110 of the processing apparatus 100. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5, the drain tank 154 is provided at a lower portion of the outer case 110 and takes the form of a drawer that slides. In this case, a hand-hold hole 154 b may be formed at the drain tank 154 to facilitate pulling the drain tank 154 out. When an amount of fluid in the drain tank 154 reaches a maximum level, or when a user wants to empty the drain tank 154 due to the propagation of germs or bacteria in fluid left in the drain tank 154 for relatively long time, the hand-hold hole 154 b allows the user to easily pull the drain tank 154 out in order to empty the drain tank 154.

Since the condensing chamber 190 and the processing space 130 may also be connected to the drain tank 154, condensed fluid may also be collected into the drain tank 154. An additional open/close valve 179 may be may be provided along the channel 178 connecting the condensing chamber 190 and the processing space 160 to the drain tank 154 to control the flow of the condensed fluid.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the refreshing unit 200 may also include a dry air supply device 140 that draws air in, heats the air to a high temperature, and supplies the dry air to the processing space 130. The dry air supply device 140 may include a fan 141, a dry heater 142, a discharger 143 for circulating air that has passed through the dry heater 142, and a discharging outlet 144 for discharging high temperature dry air into the processing space 130.

As shown in FIG. 2, the top cover 122 may include an outlet 122 a in communication with the condensing chamber 190 to discharge air from the processing space 130 into the condensing chamber 190. The air discharged through the outlet 122 a may be dry air or wet air. Particularly, when steam is supplied to the processing space 130, the air in the processing space 130 may become wet. This wet air may be condensed in the condensing chamber 190 as the temperature of the wet air entering the condensing chamber 190 through the outlet 122 a decreases. The wet air exchanges heat with comparatively cool outside air using the outer case 110 as a heat exchange medium. Condensed fluid drops to the bottom of the condensing chamber 190, and, in certain embodiments, may flow along a steam blocking layer (not shown) at a lower portion of the condensing chamber 190, thereby naturally entering the drain tank 154. The outer case 110 may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as, for example, steel or aluminum, in order to smoothly exchange heat with the wet air.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the condensing chamber 190 is provided at the rear of the main body 80. However, other locations, such as, for example, the sides of the main body 80, may also be appropriate based on, for example, the placement of the refreshing unit 200, the various discharge ports, and the path of the fluid/vapor flowing through the apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 2, a blocking member 119 may be positioned between the inner case 120 and the outer case 110. The blocking member 119 may block the wet air or the dry air entering the condensing chamber 190 from the processing space 130 through the outlet 122 a from leaking into spaces other than the condensing chamber 190.

A case 160 may be provided in the processing space 130 to house the steam generating device 150. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the case 160 is provided within a lower side portion of the processing space 130. However, other locations within the inner case 120 or outside of the processing space 130 may also be appropriate.

The supply tank 151 may be connected to a connector 161 provided on the case 160 so as to be attachable/detachable. When the fluid stored in the supply tank 151 is depleted, the supply tank 151 may be easily detached for replenishment. In certain embodiments, fluid may be supplied to the supply tank 151 through a supply pipe (not shown) that operates in response to the operation of a valve (not shown). The dry air supply device 140 may be positioned between the supply tank 151 and the steam generating device 152. The air inlet 145 of the dry air supply device 140 may be in communication with the condensing chamber 190, with the discharger facing the processing space 130.

For ease of discussion, this fluid/steam/air circulation process is described having the refreshing unit 200 at a bottom portion of the processing space 130, and the discharge port 122 a at a top portion of the inner case 120. However, other arrangements which would maintain adequate circulation and flow may also be appropriate. For example, positions of the refreshing unit 200 and the discharge port 122 a could be reversed and a fan (not shown) may be included to further facilitate the desired flow.

A method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment as broadly described herein will be described with reference to FIGS. 6-9. The method may include a fabric processing step Q1, a drying step Q2, and a cooling step Q3. At the fabric processing step Q1, steam is supplied to fabric articles in the processing space 130. At the drying step Q2, the wet fabric articles are dried. Then, the fabric articles are cooled down at the cooling step Q3 in order to enable a user to safely remove the fabric articles from the processing apparatus 100.

As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the fabric processing step Q1 includes a steam supplying step A11, a dry air supplying step A12, and a steam resupplying step A13. Hereinafter, these steps will be described in detail.

First, the supply tank 151 is filled with fluid (S105). If the supply tank 151 already holds at least a predetermined level of fluid, no additional fill may be required. The supply tank 151 may be filled manually, or may be automatically filled by a supply pipe (not shown) connected to the supply tank 151.

Then, the supply valve 157 is opened, and fluid is supplied to the steam generating device 152 (S110). The fluid is heated and transformed into high temperature steam by the steam heater 153 (S110). The generated steam may be supplied to the fabric articles positioned in the processing space 130 through a nozzle (not shown) or other appropriate delivery means. While supplying the steam to the processing space 130, a time C11 of supplying the steam is measured using a timer (not shown) or other suitable device (S115). Then, the steam supply time C11 is compared to a threshold time t11 (S120). If the steam supply time C11 is greater than or equal to the threshold time t11, the supply valve 157 closes, and the heater 153 is turned off (S125), thereby ending the steam supplying step A11.

Then, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are operated to supply high temperature dry air to the processing space 130 (S135). The high temperature dry air heats the inside of the processing space 130 and increases the temperature therein, as the temperature of the dry air is higher than that of the steam. After flowing through the processing space 130, the heated air enters the condensing chamber 190 through the discharge outlet 122 a, where it is directed back to the dry heater 142 and the fan 141. The air is reheated and resupplied to the processing space 130. While supplying the dry air to the processing space 130, a time of supplying the dry air C12 is measured using a timer (not shown) or other suitable device (S140). The time C12 is compared to a threshold time t12 (S145). If the time C12 is greater than or equal to the threshold time t12, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are turned off (S150), thereby ending the dry air supplying step A12. The threshold time t12 can be set with various times as appropriate for the fabric articles being processed, for example, 2 or 3 minutes.

Then, stored fluid may be resupplied to the steam heater 152 by opening the supply valve 157, and the fluid may be heated and transformed into high temperature steam (S155). The steam may be conveyed to the processing space 130 through a nozzle (not shown) or other appropriate delivery means and applied to the fabric articles in the processing space 130. While supplying the steam to the processing space 130, a time C13 of supplying steam is monitored using a timer (not shown) or other suitable device (S160). The measured time C13 is compared to a threshold time t13 (S165). If the accumulated steam supplying time C13 is greater than or equal to the threshold time t13, the supply valve 157 is closed and the heater 152 is turned off (S170), thereby terminating the steam-supply step A13.

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating temperatures in a processing space over time during a steam supplying step. Referring to FIG. 9, a first curve f1 denotes the variation of temperature in a processing space according to an embodiment as broadly described herein, and a second curve f2 denotes the variation of temperature in a processing space according to a comparative example. In the comparative example, steam is supplied to the processing space without supplying dry air. Thus, in the comparative example, temperature in the processing space gently varies over time as the gentle curve shape f2, and requires a fourth time period t14 to reach a predetermined temperature T.

In contrast, in the processing space of a fabric processing apparatus 100 as embodied and broadly described herein, the temperature abruptly rises in a second region R2 when dry air is supplied. Since dry air, which is hotter than steam, is supplied to the processing space in the second region R2, the temperature in the processing space abruptly rises in the second region R2 compared to the comparative example. The temperature in the processing space drops slightly in a region K in the first curve f1 because steam is not immediately supplied to the processing space upon initiation of the steam re-supplying step (the beginning of the region R3). Rather, there is a delay as the fluid is heated in the steam generating device 152.

Based on the comparison of the first and second curves f1 and f2, the method as described above can achieve the desired temperature T in less time than the comparative example. That is, the above described method achieves the desired temperature T in the first to third predetermined time intervals (t1+t2+t3). In contrast, the comparative example needs an additional time interval t4 to reach the same desired temperature T. By supplying dry air alone, and not additionally/continuously supplying steam, processing time may be reduced, and an amount of fluid consumed can be reduced. Furthermore, an amount of condensed fluid in the processing space 130 can also reduced in comparison with that of the comparative example. Therefore, the time associated with the drying step Q2 may be also reduced relative to the comparative example.

Although the dry air supplying step A12 and the steam re-supplying step A13 are performed one time each in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the dry air supplying step A12 and the steam re-supplying step A13 can be repeatedly performed. For example, in consideration of the total processing time and the temperature increment, these steps A12 and A13 may each be performed one to five times.

As described above, the small amount of steam is used in the steam supply step, comparatively, while the high temperature of the processing space is sustained, thereby improving the processing efficiency and quality.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a cloth processing apparatus 100 according to another embodiment as broadly described herein, including a steam supply step A21, a dry air supply step A22, and a steam resupply step A23.

First, the supply tank 151 is filled with fluid (S205). Then, fluid is supplied to the steam heater 152 by opening the supply valve 157, and the fluid is heated and steam is generated by operating the heater 152 (S210). The steam is conveyed through a nozzle (not shown) or other appropriate conveying means to the fabric articles stored in the processing space 130. While supplying the steam to the processing space 130, a time C21 of supplying the steam is measured using a timer (not shown) or other suitable device (S215). Then, the steam-supply time C21 is compared to a predetermined time t21 (S220). If the steam-supply time C21 is greater than or equal to the predetermined time t21, the supply valve 157 closes and the heater 142 is turned off (S225), thereby terminating the steam supply step A21.

Then, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are operated, and high temperature dry air is supplied to the processing space 130 (S235) to increase the temperature in the processing space 130. While supplying the high temperature dry air, the inside temperature K22 of the processing space 130 is measured using a temperature sensor (not shown) or other suitable device (S240). Then, the inside temperature K22 of the processing space 130 is compared to a predetermined temperature T22 (S240). If the inside temperature K22 of the processing space 130 is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature T22 (S240), the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are turned off (S250), thereby terminating the day air supply step A22.

Then, the supply valve 157 opens and the stored fluid is resupplied to the steam heater 152, heated and transformed to high temperature steam by operating the steam heater 152 (S255). The generated steam is conveyed through a nozzle (not shown) or other suitable conveying means into the processing space 130. While supplying the steam to the processing space 130, a timer (not shown) or other suitable device is used to measure a steam supply time C23 (S260). Then, the steam supply time C23 is compared to a predetermined time t23 (S265). If the steam supply time C23 is greater than or equal to the predetermined time t23, the supply valve 157 closes and the steam heater 152 is turned off (S270), thereby ending the steam re-supply step A23.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the dry air supply step A22 and the steam resupply step A23 are performed once. However, the dry air supply step and the steam resupply step can be repeatedly performed several times, based on, for example, the number of fabric articles being processed and a degree of odor/wrinkles. In consideration of the total processing time and the temperature increment, the dry air supply step A22 and the steam resupply step A23 can be performed, for example, one to five times.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus 100 according to another embodiment as broadly described herein, including a steam supply step A31, a dry air supply step A32, and a steam re-supply step A33.

First, the supply tank 151 is filled with fluid (S305). Then, fluid is supplied to the steam heater 152 by opening the supply valve 157, and the fluid is heated and transformed into high temperature steam by operating the steam heater 152 (S310). The generated steam is conveyed through a nozzle (not shown) or other sutiable convying means into the processing space 130. While supplying the steam to the processing space 130, a steam supply time C31 is measured using a timer (not shown) or other suitable device (S315). Then, the steam supply time C31 is compared a predetermined time t31 (S320). If the steam-supply time C31 is greater than or equal to the predetermined time t31, the supply valve 175 closes and the heater 142 is turned off (S325), thereby ending the steam supply step A31.

Then, an initial temperature K31 of the processing space 130 is measured using a temperature sensor (not shown) or other suitable device (S330). Also, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are turned on, and high temperature dry air is supplied to the processing space 130 (S335) to increase the temperature in the processing space 130. While supplying the high temperature dry air, a current inside temperature K32 of the processing space 130 is measured using a temperature sensor (not shown) or other suitable device (S340). Then, a temperature difference K32−K31 between the current inside temperature K32 and the initial temperature K31 is calculated, and the temperature difference K32−K31 is compared to a predetermined temperature difference (S345). If the temperature difference K32−K21 is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature difference, the heater 142 and the fan 141 are turned off (S350), thereby ending the dry air supply step A32.

Then, the supply valve 157 opens and the stored fluid is re-supplied to the steam heater 152, heated and transformed into high temperature steam by operating the steam heater 152 (S355). The generated steam is conveyed through a nozzle (not shown) or other suitable conveying means into the processing space 130. While supplying the steam to the processing space 130, a timer (not shown) or other suitable device is used to measure a steam supply time C33 (S360). Then, the steam supply time C33 is compared to a predetermined time t33 (S365). If the steam supply time C33 is greater than or equal to the predetermined time t33, the supply valve 157 closes and the steam heater 152 is turned off (S370), thereby ending the steam re-supply step A33.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the dry air supply step A32 and the steam re-supply step A33 are performed once. However, the dry air supply step A32 and the steam re-supply step A33 can be repeatedly performed several times. In consideration of the total processing time and the temperature increment, the dry air supply step A32 and the steam re-supply step A33 can be performed, for example, one to five times.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus 100 according to another embodiment as broadly described herein, including a steam supply step A41 and a dry air supply step A42.

First, the supply tank 151 is filled with fluid (S405). Then, fluid is supplied to the steam heater 152 by opening the supply valve 157, heated and transformed into high temperature steam by operating the steam heater 152 (S410). The generated steam is conveyed through a nozzle (not shown) or other suitable conveying means into the processing space 130. While supplying the steam to the processing space 130, a steam supply time C41 is measured using a timer (not shown) or other suitable device (S415). Then, the steam supply time C41 is compared to a predetermined time t41 (S420). If the steam-supply time C41 is greater than or equal to the predetermined time t41, the supply valve 157 closes and the heater 142 is turned off (S425), thereby ending the steam supply step A41.

While supplying steam to the processing space 130, high temperature dry air is also supplied by simultaneously operating the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 (S430). The supplied steam and the high temperature dry air increase the inside temperature of the processing space 130. The temperature of the dry air is higher than the steam. While supplying dry air to the processing space 130, a dry air supply time C42 is measured using a timer (not shown) or other suitable device (S435). Then, the dry air supply time C42 is compared to a predetermined time t42 (S440). If the dry air supply time C42 is greater than or equal to the predetermined time t42, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are turned off (S445), thereby ending the dry air supply step A42. In alternative embodiments, the second threshold time t42 may be set to various times as appropriate, for example, two minutes to three minutes.

After turning off the dry air supply device, a number of times the dry air supply device is driven, i.e., turned on/off, is added up (S450). The accumulated driving time N of the dry air supply device is compared with a predetermined driving time N_(ref). If the driving time N is less than or equal to the predetermined driving time N_(ref), the dry air supply device is turned on again. The predetermined driving time N_(ref) can be set as necessary based on a given set of operating parameters. Also, if the driving time N is greater than 1, the dry air supply device can be continuously driven at the driving time N or can be driven for a predetermined time interval.

The dry air supply device is driven for the predetermined time t42 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12. However, the control method as embodied and broadly described herein is not limited thereto. For example, similar to the controlling method shown in FIG. 8, the dry air supply device can be turned off when the processing space 130 reaches a predetermined threshold temperature. Or similar to the controlling method shown in FIG. 9, the dry air supply device can be turned off when a temperature difference (i.e., increase) in the processing space 130 reaches a predetermined temperature difference.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a fabric processing apparatus 100 according to another embodiment as broadly described herein, including a pre-heat step A51, a steam supply step A52, and a dry step A53.

First, the supply tank 151 is filled with fluid (S501). If the supply tank 151 already contains a predetermined fluid, the supply tank 151 may not require additional fluid. The supply tank 151 can be manually filled, or can be automatically filled through, for example, a supply pipe (not shown) connected to the supply tank 151.

Then, high temperature dry air is supplied to the processing space 130 by operating the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 (S505). The high temperature dry air increases the temperature of the inner case 120. The heated air enters into the condensing chamber 190 through the discharge outlet 122 a, and flows into the dry air device 140, where it is heated again by the dry heater 142 and introduced back into processing space 130.

While supplying the high temperature dry air, the temperature of the inner case 120 is measured (S510). The temperature of the inner case 120 is measured by a temperature sensor (not shown) or other suitable device provided in the inner case 120. In certain embodiments, a temperature sensor (not shown) may be provided on the top cover 122 to measure a temperature of the top cover 122. Other locations may also be appropriate based on, for example, a position of the refreshing unit 200, outlet 122 a and condensing chamber 190. Then, the temperature of the top cover 122 is compared to a predetermined temperature (S515). If the temperature of the top cover 122 is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are turned off (S520), thereby ending the pre-heat step A51.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, air is discharged into the processing space 130 and travels through processing space 130 to treat fabric articles therein. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, a temperature of the air at the top cover 122 is relatively lower than at the side covers 121 and the bottom cover 123, and the humidity of the air at the top cover 122 is relatively higher than at the side covers 121 and the bottom cover 123. Therefore, it is difficult to remove fluid which may have condensed on the top cover 122 during the steam supply step even though a dry step is performed after the steam supply step. However, an amount of condensed fluid in the inner case 120 may be significantly reduced because the inner case 120 is pre-heated by the high temperature dry air before the steam supply step is performed. Particularly, since the pre-heat temperature of the top cover 122, an amount of accumulated condensed fluid may be reduced.

After the pre-heat step, the stored fluid is supplied to the steam heater 152 by opening the supply valve 157, and the fluid is transformed into steam by operating the steam heater 152 (S525). The generated steam is supplied to the processing space 130 through a nozzle (not shown) or other suitable conveying means. While supplying steam to the processing space 130, a timer (not shown) or other suitable device may be used to measure a steam supply time C52 (S530). Then, the measured steam supply time C52 is compared to a predetermined time t52 (S535). If the steam supply time C52 is greater than or equal to the predetermined time, the supply valve 157 closes and the steam heater 152 is turned off (S540), thereby ending the steam supply step A52.

Then, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are operated again (S545), thereby beginning the dry step A53. Dry air is heated by the dry heater 142, and the high temperature dry air flows to the discharger 143 and into the processing space 130 through the discharge outlet 161 formed in the lower case 160. The high temperature dry air dries the fabric articles, is mixed with moist air in the processing space 130, and is discharged into the condensing chamber 190 through the discharge outlet 122 a. The discharged air is condensed as it flows through the discharging chamber 190, and flows into the fan 141, as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 2.

While the dry air is supplied to the processing space 130, a dry air supply time C53 is measured using a timer (not shown) or other appropriate device (S550). The dry air supply time C53 is compared to a predetermined time t53 (S555). If the measured dry air supply time C53 is greater than or equal to the predetermined time t53, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are turned off (S560), thereby ending the dry step A53. Since the inner case 120 is pre-heated in the steam supply step as described above, the amount of condensed fluid accumulated in the case 120 may be reduced in the steam supply step.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus 100 according to another embodiment as broadly described herein, including a pre-heat step A61, a steam supply step A62, and a dry step A63.

First, the supply tank 151 is filled (S601). Then, high temperature dry air is supplied to the processing space 130 by operating the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 (S605). The high temperature dry air supplied to the processing space 130 exchanges heat with the inner case 120, and the temperature of the inner case 120 rises.

While supplying the high temperature dry air, the inside temperature K61 of the processing space 130 is measured using a temperature sensor (not shown) or other suitable device (S610). Since the overall temperature of the inner case 120 can be estimated based the inside temperature K61 of the processing space 130, the inside temperature K61 of the processing space 130 may serve as an index temperature of the inner case 120. The inside temperature K61 of the processing space 130 is compared to a predetermined temperature T61 (S615). If the inside temperature K61 is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature T61, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are turned off (S620), thereby ending the pre-heat step A61.

After the pre-heat step, the stored fluid is supplied to the steam heater 152 by opening the supply valve 157, and the fluid is heated and transformed into steam by operating the steam heater 152 (S625). The generated steam is introduced into the processing space 130 through a nozzle (not shown) or other suitable conveying means. While supplying the steam to the processing space 130, a steam supply time C62 is measured using a timer (not shown) or other suitable device (S630). Then, the measured steam supply time C62 is compared to a predetermined time t62 (S635). If the measured steam supply time C62 is greater than or equal to the predetermined time t62, the supply valve 157 closes and the steam heater 152 is turned off (S640), thereby ending the steam supply step A62.

Then, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are turned on again (S645), thereby beginning the dry step A63. While supplying dry air to the processing space 130, a dry air supply time C63 is measured using a timer (not shown) or other suitable device (S650). Then, the measured dry air supply time C63 is compared to a predetermined time t63 (S655). If the dry air supply time C63 is greater than or equal to the predetermined time t63, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are turned off (S660), thereby ending the dry step A63.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus 100 according to another embodiment as broadly described herein, including a pre-heat step A71, a steam supply step A72, and a dry step A73.

First, the supply tank 151 is filled with or other suitable device (S701). Then, high temperature dry air is supplied to the processing space 130 by operating the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 (S705). The high temperature dry air exchanges heat with the inner case 120, and the temperature of the inner case 120 rises. While supplying the high temperature dry air, a pre-heat time C71 is measured using a timer (not shown) or other suitable device (S710). Then, the measured pre-heat time C71 is compared to a predetermined time t71 (S715). If the measured pre-heat time C71 is greater than or equal to the predetermined time t71, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are turned off (S720), thereby ending the pre-heat step A71.

After the pre-heat step, the stored fluid is supplied to the steam heater 152 by opening the supply valve 157, and the supplied fluid is heated and transformed into steam by operating the steam heater 152 (S725). The generated steam is introduced into the processing space 130 through a nozzle (not shown) or other suitable conveying means. While supplying the steam to the processing space 130, a steam supply time C72 is measured using a timer (not shown) or other suitable device (S730). Then, the measured steam supply time C72 is compared to a predetermined time t72 (S735). If the measured steam supply time C72 is greater than or equal to predetermined time t72, the supply valve 157 closes and the steam heater 152 is turned off (S740), thereby ending the steam supply step A72.

Then, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are turned on again (S745), thereby beginning a dry step A73. While supplying dry air to the processing space 130, a dry air supply time C73 is measured using a timer (not shown) or other suitable device (S750). Then, the measured dry air supply time C73 is compared to a predetermined time t73 (S755). If the dry air supply time C73 is greater than or equal to the predetermined time T73, the dry heater 142 and the fan 141 are turned off (S760), thereby ending the dry step A73.

Additional details regarding the structure and functionality of fabric treatment/refreshing apparatuses can be found in Korean Patent Application Nos. 37889/2006, 43405/2006, 138622/2006 and 21564/2007, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

A method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus having a case that defines a processing space where fabric us processed, a steam supply device for supplying steam to the processing space, and a dry air supply device for supplying dry air to the processing space, includes supplying steam to the processing space by operating the steam supply device; and supplying a dry air into the processing space by operating the dry air supply device before, after or during operating the steam supply device to rise an inside temperature of the cloth processing space.

In the supplying of the dry air, at least a predetermined portion of the case may be preheated by operating the dry air supply device before turning on the steam supply device.

In the supplying of the dry air, dry air may be supplied into the processing space by stopping the steam supply device and turning on the dry air supply device.

The method may also include resupplying steam into the processing space by stopping the dry air supply device and operating the steam supply device again. The supplying of the dry air and the supplying of the steam may be performed repeatedly.

The supplying of the dry air may include supplying a dry air into the processing space by operating the dry air supply device at least once while the steam is supplied.

The steam supply device may include a water tank and a steam heater for heating water in the water tank or water flowed from the water tank. The dry air supply device may include a fan and a dry heater for heating air discharged from the fan or heating air flowing into the fan.

The supplying of the dry air may be terminated if a time of operating the dry air supply device is longer than a predetermined time. The supplying of the dry air may be terminated if a temperature of the processing space rises higher than a predetermined temperature difference when the dry air supply device is operated. The supplying of the dry air may be terminated if a temperature of the processing space rises higher than a predetermined temperature when the dry air supply device is operated.

The supplying of the dry air may be terminated if a temperature of the case rises higher than a predetermined temperature when the dry air supply device is operated.

The case may include a side cover surrounding a side of the processing space and a top cover covering a top of the processing space, the dry air enters from the bottom of the processing space and is discharged through a discharge outlet formed on the top cover, and the supplying of the dry air is terminated if a temperature of the top cover is higher than a predetermined temperature.

In a method for controlling a cloth processing apparatus as embodied and broadly described herein, the processing space is sustained to have a higher temperature for reducing the consumption of steam and improving the effect of processing fabrics.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. 

1. A method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus having a case that defines a processing space, a steam supply device that supplies steam to the processing space, and a dry air supply device that supplies dry air to the processing space, the method comprising: activating the steam supply device and supplying steam to the processing space; activating the dry air supply device and supplying dry air to the processing space at least one of before, during or after supplying steam to the processing space to increase a temperature of the processing space.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein supplying dry air to the processing space comprises supplying dry air to the processing space before activating the steam supply device, and preheating at least a portion of the case.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein preheating at least a portion of the case further comprises deactivating the dry air supply device when a temperature of the portion of the case is greater than or equal to a reference temperature.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein preheating a portion of the case comprises: introducing dry air from the dry air supply device into the processing space at a lower portion of the processing space; and discharging the dry air from the processing space at an upper portion of the processing space.
 5. The method of claim 2, further comprising: measuring a surface temperature of the case; and deactivating the dry air supplying device when the measured surface temperature of the case is greater than or equal to a reference surface temperature.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein supplying dry air to the processing space comprises supplying dry air to the processing space after deactivating the steam supply device.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising deactivating the dry air supply device and reactivating the steam supply device to resupply steam to the processing space.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising repeatedly supplying dry air and steam to the processing space for a predetermined number of cycles.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein supplying dry air to the processing space comprises supplying dry air to the processing space while simultaneously supplying steam to the processing space.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising deactivating the dry air supply device when an operating time of the dry air supply device is greater than or equal to a reference operating time, or when a current measured temperature of the processing space is greater than or equal to a reference temperature, or when a current measured change in temperature of the processing space is greater than or equal to a reference change in temperature.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein supplying steam to the processing space comprises supplying steam to the processing space until a steam supplying time is greater than or equal to a first reference time.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein supplying dry air to the processing space comprises supplying dry air to the processing space until a dry air supplying time is greater than or equal to a second reference time.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein supplying dry air to the processing space comprises: measuring a temperature of the processing space; comparing the measured temperature to a reference temperature; and supplying dry air to the processing space until the measured temperature is greater than or equal to the reference temperature, and then deactivating the dry air supply device.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein supplying dry air to the processing space comprises: measuring an initial temperature of the processing space; measuring a current temperature of the processing space and determining a temperature difference between the initial temperature and the current temperature; comparing the determined temperature difference to a reference temperature difference; and supplying dry air to the processing space until the determined temperature difference is greater than or equal to the reference temperature difference, and then deactivating the dry air supplying device.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: deactivating the dry air supply device after at least one of an operating time, a temperature of the processing space, or a change in temperature of the processing space is greater than or equal to a respective reference value; and re-activating the steam supply device and re-supplying steam to the processing space for a predetermined amount of time.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein supplying dry air to the processing space comprises: supplying dry air to the processing space before activating the steam supply device to preheat the processing space; and deactivating the dry air supply device when an operating time of the dry air supply device is greater than or equal to a reference operating time, or when a current measured temperature of the processing space is greater than or equal to a reference temperature, or when a current measured change in temperature of the processing space is greater than or equal to a reference change in temperature.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein supplying steam comprises operating a steam heater to generate steam and conveying the steam into the processing space, and supplying dry air comprises operating a dry heater and a fan to generate dry air and conveying the dry air into the processing space.
 18. A method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus, the method comprising: supplying steam to a receiving chamber for a predetermined amount of time; supplying dry air to the receiving chamber; and re-supplying steam to the receiving chamber.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein supplying dry air to the receiving chamber comprises terminating the supply of steam and thereafter supplying dry air to the receiving chamber for a predetermined amount of time.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein supplying dry air to the receiving chamber comprises terminating the supply of steam and thereafter supplying dry air to the receiving chamber until the receiving chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein supplying dry air to the receiving chamber comprises terminating the supply of steam and thereafter supplying dry air to the receiving chamber until a temperature change measured in the receiving chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature change.
 22. The method of claim 18, wherein re-supplying steam to the receiving chamber comprises terminating the supply of dry air and thereafter re-supplying steam to the receiving chamber for a predetermined amount of time.
 23. The method of claim 18, wherein supplying dry air comprises supplying dry air to the receiving chamber while also supplying steam to the receiving chamber.
 24. A method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus, the method comprising: preheating a receiving chamber; supplying steam to the receiving chamber; and supplying dry air to the receiving chamber.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein preheating the receiving chamber comprises supplying dry air to the receiving chamber for a predetermined amount of time, or until a temperature of the receiving chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature, or until a measured temperature change in the receiving chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature change.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein supplying steam to the receiving chamber comprises terminating the preheating of the chamber and thereafter supplying steam to the chamber for a predetermined amount of time.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein dry air to the receiving chamber comprises terminating the steam supply to the receiving chamber and thereafter supplying dry air to the receiving chamber for a predetermined amount of time. 